California Considers Rolling Back Key Refinery Safety Reforms After Chevron Fire

More than a decade after the catastrophic 2012 Chevron refinery fire, California regulators are considering a rollback of crucial safety reforms under a legal settlement with oil industry lobbyists. The settlement, negotiated behind closed doors with the Western States Petroleum Association, could weaken regulations introduced after the Richmond fire, which hospitalized 15,000 people and led to major safety changes.

The proposed modifications include narrowing the definition of hazardous materials, reducing union involvement in safety meetings, and limiting workers' ability to halt unsafe operations. These changes have sparked strong opposition from labor and environmental groups, who were excluded from the negotiations. Critics warn that loosening these regulations—especially as the state moves toward phasing out fossil fuels—could jeopardize worker safety and community health amid ongoing refinery accidents and closures. California’s refineries, situated near populated areas, remain vulnerable to dangerous incidents, and weakening safety rules could risk repeating past tragedies.

28-04-2025